Providers of transport-sharing services to be required to ensure reaction test before vehicle is used

RIGA - The Saeima on Thursday adopted amendments to the Road Traffic Law, drafted by the Transport Ministry, which introduce a reaction test for alcohol or other intoxicating substances before using shared vehicles.

The amendments require that before providing the service, the service provider must check the age of the client via an electronic app or website, verify that the client has a license to drive the particular vehicle, and test the client's reaction to alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

Failure by ride-sharing providers to implement age and driver license checks on apps or websites will result in fines of between EUR 70 and EUR 350, and in the absence of reaction tests the service provider could be fined between EUR 70 and EUR 350.

The amendments also require self-propelled bicycles to be covered by compulsory third party liability insurance (MTPL). The owner of a self-propelled bicycle will be fined between EUR 125 and EUR 200 for not having the compulsory MTPL insurance when it is used in road traffic.

The amendments also provide for compulsory registration of self-propelled bicycles. The driver of a self-propelled bicycle will be fined between EUR 30 and EUR 70 for using an unregistered vehicle in road traffic.

The requirement to introduce reaction tests for ride-sharing providers is planned to enter into force on April 1, 2026.

The transitional period for the mandatory registration of self-propelled bicycles will be from February 1 to April 30, 2026. If self-propelled bicycles are not registered by May 1 next year, their drivers will face fines.